The International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor has requested arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, and other top officials on charges of "war crimes and crimes against humanity" committed during the 2021 Israel-Hamas war. The move has sparked a divided reaction among U.S. lawmakers.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor, Karim Khan, has requested arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, and other top officials for their alleged roles in "war crimes and crimes against humanity" committed during the 2021 Israel-Hamas conflict.
The announcement has ignited a heated debate among U.S. lawmakers, with some Democrats expressing opposition to the ICC's move.
In a statement, Rep. Richie Torres (D-N.Y.) denounced the decision as "retribution against Israel for the original sin of existing as a Jewish State." He argued that the ICC lacks jurisdiction over Israel, which is not a member of the court.
"Today's decision in effect makes it criminal for a state like Israel to defend itself against an enemy shrewd enough to embed itself in a civilian population, as Hamas has done to an extent never seen before in the history of warfare," Torres said.
Fellow New York Democrat Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who has previously accused Israel of committing "genocide" in Gaza, said that the United States should cease funding "human rights abuses, war crimes and violations abroad."
"And what we see happening in Gaza, in the West Bank and throughout Palestine has been a broad – and as we've seen even from this morning that with the ICC’s designation as well of both Sinwar and Netanyahu – that this is happening, and it's occurring this should not happen with U.S. resources," she said.
Republicans have largely supported the ICC's investigation into potential war crimes committed during the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) said that "the ICC's announcement today is a clear signal that no one is above the law, regardless of their political power or position."
She added that "the United States must stand with our allies and support the ICC's efforts to pursue justice for victims of war crimes."
Khan's office has stated that it has "reasonable grounds" to believe that Netanyahu, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, Hamas leader Sinwar, its top political leader Ismail Haniyeh, and its military commander Mohammed Dief have committed war crimes and crimes against humanity.
The prosecutor's investigation focuses on alleged crimes related to the 2021 Israel-Hamas war, including the targeting of civilians, indiscriminate attacks, and the destruction of civilian infrastructure.
Israel has rejected the ICC's allegations, calling them "baseless" and politically motivated.
Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid said that the ICC was "illegitimate and biased" and that Israel "will not cooperate with it in any way."
The ICC's decision to request arrest warrants is a major development that could have significant implications for Israel and Hamas leadership.
If the ICC judges approve the arrest warrants, it will be up to member states to decide whether to apprehend the individuals concerned.
The ICC has no independent enforcement powers and relies on the cooperation of its member states to implement its decisions.
